Sample Job Description · International Higher Education · Expat Faculty

Expat Professor of English

LocationSaudi Arabia
Position TypeFull-Time / Expat
Experience3 to 5+ Years
EducationMaster’s or PhD
📍  Saudi Arabia  ·  Prestigious University  ·  Relocation, Housing, and Visa Support Provided

About the Role

A prestigious university in Saudi Arabia is seeking a dedicated and experienced Expat Professor of English to join its faculty. This opportunity is designed for an expatriate academic professional who is passionate about teaching, research, and cross-cultural engagement. The professor will play a central role in enhancing English language proficiency among students, contributing to curriculum development, and fostering an innovative and globally competitive academic environment.

This is a full relocation opportunity — the university provides housing, visa sponsorship, relocation assistance, and a tax-free compensation package. It is well suited to a faculty member who is ready to expand their academic career internationally and engage meaningfully with the cultural and intellectual environment of higher education in the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction and Curriculum

  • Deliver high-quality English language instruction to undergraduate and/or graduate students, maintaining consistently high standards of academic rigor and student engagement.
  • Develop and implement engaging, evidence-based curriculum materials that align with international academic standards and the institution’s language proficiency goals.
  • Design and administer appropriate assessments that accurately measure student progress and inform ongoing instructional planning.

Research and Scholarship

  • Conduct research and scholarly activities in English language studies, applied linguistics, literature, TESOL, or related fields in alignment with the institution’s research priorities.
  • Pursue publication, conference participation, and grant opportunities to build the institution’s academic profile and contribute to the broader field.
  • Engage in professional development activities to stay current on the latest advancements in English language education, second language acquisition research, and pedagogical innovation.

Student Mentorship and Advising

  • Mentor and advise students on academic progress, writing skills, research development, and career and graduate study pathways.
  • Provide constructive, timely feedback on student work and maintain availability during office hours for individual consultation and academic support.

Faculty Collaboration and Program Development

  • Collaborate with faculty colleagues to enhance teaching methodologies, share best practices, and contribute to ongoing program development and curriculum review.
  • Participate actively in university committees, departmental meetings, and faculty governance to support institutional goals and accreditation requirements.
  • Represent the department at academic conferences and institutional events to strengthen the program’s visibility and external relationships.

Cross-Cultural Engagement

  • Adapt thoughtfully to the cultural and academic environment of Saudi Arabia, demonstrating respect for local customs, values, and institutional norms.
  • Promote diversity, inclusion, and global perspectives within the classroom to enrich the learning experience for all students.
  • Serve as a cultural ambassador between international academic traditions and the local institutional context, contributing to a genuinely intercultural academic community.

Education, Experience, and Requirements

Education
Master’s or PhD in English, Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or a closely related field required. Doctoral degree is strongly preferred for senior faculty appointments.
Teaching Experience
Minimum of three to five years of university-level teaching experience in English language instruction, ESL/EFL, or related discipline. Strong pedagogical foundation and demonstrated student outcomes required.
Technical and Academic Skills
Strong working knowledge of curriculum development, assessment design, and instructional technology. Experience with LMS platforms and digital learning tools for higher education is advantageous. TESOL, CELTA, or equivalent ESL/EFL certifications are a plus.
Cultural and Language Requirements
Native or near-native English fluency required. Previous international teaching experience, particularly in the Middle East, is preferred. Cultural adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and genuine openness to living and working abroad are essential.

What the Institution Offers

Salary
Competitive tax-free salary based on experience and qualifications.
Housing
Fully furnished housing or a generous housing allowance provided for the duration of employment.
Relocation
Relocation assistance including international airfare and full visa sponsorship for the faculty member.
Healthcare
Comprehensive healthcare coverage for the faculty member and applicable dependents.
Leave
Generous paid leave and public holidays aligned with the university’s academic calendar.
Development
Professional development funding, research support, and conference travel opportunities.

Why Join This University?

This opportunity offers a substantive academic career in a dynamic and culturally rich environment. The university is committed to academic excellence, research innovation, and international collaboration — providing a meaningful platform for faculty who want to grow professionally while contributing to the advancement of higher education in the region.

Faculty members benefit from a supportive academic community, modern teaching and research facilities, and the experience of working at the intersection of international educational standards and a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. For professors who are ready to engage with an international academic environment outside of the Western context, this is a genuinely distinctive opportunity.

Teaching in a new cultural context does not diminish your expertise — it sharpens it. The best expat faculty come back with perspectives they could not have developed anywhere else.

Retained Search by Excelon Associates

Excelon Associates is a retained executive search firm headquartered in Asheville, NC, with additional offices in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, FL. Our higher education practice supports international faculty recruitment across the Middle East, placing professors, program directors, and academic administrators at universities committed to building world-class academic programs. Since 2007 we have placed faculty and academic leaders at institutions across the United States and internationally.

For institutions across the Middle East committed to academic excellence and global education standards, Excelon Associates is a trusted recruitment partner. We connect universities with top-tier faculty who bring instructional depth, research credibility, and genuine cultural adaptability to international academic environments. Reach out today to start a confidential conversation.

Hiring International Faculty?

Excelon Associates recruits expat faculty and academic leaders for higher education institutions across the Middle East and internationally. Headquartered in Asheville, NC. Retained search since 2007.